the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept suggests that conditions and experiences during early life—such as in the womb, infancy, and childhood—can influence a person’s health many years later. Factors like nutrition, stress, and environment during these critical periods can shape how organs develop and how the body manages health or disease risk, including conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. In essence, our earliest life stages set a foundation that can impact our health trajectory long-term, highlighting the importance of supporting healthy development early on.